Strictly Signs Up EastEnders Star, Sparking Viewer Controversy

Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly signed up an EastEnders star, which might frustrate some fans.

The BBC competition, facing alleged complaints against professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, is set to return in September for its 22nd series. Rumored contestants include a CBeebies presenter and a well-known daytime TV star.

With less than two months until the show’s return, producers are busy signing up stars to compete for the Glitterball trophy. The latest rumored contestant is Jamie Borthwick, who plays Jay in EastEnders.

Borthwick’s potential inclusion is controversial because he won the show’s Christmas special less than a year ago alongside Nancy Xu. The couple performed the Quickstep and scored a perfect 40 from the judges.

A source told The Sun: “Although an EastEnders actor is on Strictly every year, this is the first time a performer from the festive special has joined the main competition. Producers and viewers were blown away by Jamie’s dancing. It’s not clear yet whether he will take a break from the soap or juggle dance rehearsals with filming.”

A BBC spokesman previously told The Independent: “We don’t comment on speculation.”

Borthwick has been on the BBC soap since 2006, starting at the age of 14. He revealed he was asked to join Strictly in 2018 but it “didn’t work out.”

His participation would follow Coronation Street star Ellie Leach’s victory and the appearance of his EastEnders co-star Bobby Brazier, who finished second.

Earlier this week, it was announced that professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec will return to the series two years after quitting. His return aligns with Strictly’s 20th anniversary. Škorjanec said: “This year is special for this legendary show. I can’t wait to make my return to the dancefloor. During my time away, I became a parent, which has been an exciting challenge. Now, I’m ready to experience the Strictly magic again.”

Source: The Sun, The Independent